Beginning on Monday, Dec. 2, the Bend Fire & Rescue Santa Express will visit several neighborhoods around town to gather donations of food, clothing and toys to support The Salvation Army this holiday season.  

The Santa Express will be coming to three Bend neighborhoods this year:

• Monday, Dec. 2: Southwest Bend – Pine Ridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods
• Wednesday, Dec. 4: Southeast Bend – Foxborough, Larkspur and Sun Meadow neighborhoods
• Thursday, Dec. 5: Northwest Bend – Three Pines, Westside Meadows and Shevlin Ridge neighborhoods

Specific route information can be found at bendoregon.gov/Fire.

Santa and Bend Fire crews will take off at 6 p.m. each night, slowly walking the above routes and gathering donations. Community members are invited to meet Santa along the way with donations of non-perishable foods, new toys or gently used clothing. This year, The Salvation Army has expressed additional need for winter coats for kids of all ages and gifts for teenagers. 

If you miss the Santa Express but would still like to provide donations, stop by any Bend Fire station or The Salvation Army (515 NE Dekalb Ave.) and place any of your non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing in the blue collection bins now through Friday, Dec. 13.

Bend Fire & Rescue Station Locations:

• West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave.
• East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Road
• North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St.
• South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Drive
• Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave.
• Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15th St.

If you can’t make it any of these locations and would like someone to come by and pick up your donation in the Bend area, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to arrange a curbside pickup. 

Thanks ahead of time from the Bend Firefighters Association, Bend Fire & Rescue, Cascade Disposal and The Salvation Army for helping local families in need this holiday season. If you need help for this holiday season with food or presents, please call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.